Read and comment on this information about the Peace Corps Engineering and Technical Assistance Network (PCETAN). PCETAN is a resource for active Peace Corps volunteers and technical development organizations. The network is hosted by the recently created Engineers Without Borders USA and aims to become an associate group of the National Peace Corps Association. Read the story at:

*This link was active on the date it was posted. PCOL is not responsible for broken links which may have changed.

The Peace Corps Engineering and Technical Assistance Network (PCETAN)

www.ewb-usa.org/pcetan.htm

PCETAN is a network of Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Engineers/Architects/Individuals with technical experience. The network currently involves the participation of 31 RPCVs who served in 20 countries and who worked on projects ranging from water resource planning to community foot bridges and solid waste management.

PCETAN is a resource for active Peace Corps volunteers and technical development organizations. The network is hosted by the recently created Engineers Without Borders USA and aims to become an associate group of the National Peace Corps Association.

1) The Development of a web-based technical resource.

Many of the challenges encountered by all Peace Corps volunteers over the course of service are technical in nature. While volunteers have proven to be resourceful and effective at responding to such challenges, the recent accessibility of the Internet in most service countries establishes the potential value of a web- based technical resource. The resource will be developed to assist active Peace Corps Volunteers and technical development organizations throughout the world.

2) Program assistance for Peace Corps.

RPCV engineers/architects/etc. represent a collective resource for the on-going development and execution of Peace Corps engineering and technical programs.

At most colleges/universities, the Peace Corps is the only non-military service organization recruiting engineers. Seldom do the daily technical challenges of Peace Corps life find their way into recruiting strategies. In addition, the relatively high starting salaries for engineers that have completed an undergraduate program contribute further to the economic disincentive of becoming a volunteer.

4) Collaboration with existing engineering and development organizations.

Numerous technically-oriented development organizations currently exist, each with specific objectives and goals. Members of PCETAN are not asked for economic contribution, but are encouraged to become due-paying members of one of the existing organizations (EWB-USA, Water For People, OXFAM, RedR, etc.). Collaborative opportunities will be pursued to raise the general awareness of technical needs in developing countries, and when possible, to participate directly or indirectly in the realization of development projects.

For more information about PCETAN and how RPCVs become members, please visit the web page or contact Tim Thompson at pcetan@ewb-usa.org. Click on a link below for more stories on PCOL

House of Representatives passes CharterThe Peace Corps and the Returned Volunteer community celebrated a big victory when the "Peace Corps Act for the 21st Century" Act passed the House in July. Read what's next for the bill.

Some postings on Peace Corps Online are provided to the individual members of this group without permission of the copyright owner for the non-profit purposes of criticism, comment, education, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and they may not be distributed further without permission of the copyright owner. Peace Corps Online does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the postings, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Engineering

Dear all, The situation in Somaliland is desperate. Prolonged civil war and instability has made social and economic recovery painfully slow. The absence of education is contributing to the vicious circle of unemployment, poverty and violence. The Hargeisa College of Applied Arts and Technology (CAAT) was founded in 2001 in response to this catastrophic situation as a non-profit institution. There are no functioning technical schools in the country and the CAAT will be the only institution of higher education in Somaliland. It is focused on making education accessible to a war ravaged youth and to reduce poverty by increasing participation of College graduates in the economic development of Somaliland. The shortage of resources makes the use of innovative methods in education an important issue. Local self-help and international support are vital factors in the plan to use innovative methods in the recovery of technical education. To inquire about teachers, Internships, and volunteer opportunities, please contact Saeed Sheikh Mohamed, Ph.D. President, Hargeisa College.

P.S The breakaway Republic of Somaliland, unlike Somalia, is very peaceful and stable. There is a democratically elected government, parliament with functionning public institutions.

Add a Message

This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.